This article describes a dilemma based on Muller's experiences working with young children, their teachers, and families. This dilemma will provide the opportunity to apply the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, with a special emphasis on the impact of culture and beliefs on teaching practice. The 2011 reaffirmation and update of the Code stresses the…

The need for professional development is universal, whatever a person's profession. Professionals must continually enrich their knowledge and increase their sense of professionalism over the course of their careers so as to implement current research-based practice. Early childhood professional development brings to the forefront the significance…

Low pay, meager benefits, poor morale, and high turnover impact the daily experience of many early childhood educators in the United States. While public spending in early childhood education has substantially increased in recent years, it has mainly fueled expansion, not quality enhancement to help programs attract, compensate, and retain…

Education qualification requirements for early childhood teachers are increasing in many types of federal, state, and community-based early childhood programs. The 2007 reauthorization of Head Start requires all teachers to have associate degrees and 50 percent to have earned a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education by the year 2013. At…

The authors remind teachers that standards are not intended to fence in creative teachers or become obstacles for learners with special needs. To help teachers optimize learning for all children, they review brained-based research findings such as the importance of safe environments, the effect of emotions on learning, the use of multisensory…

Presents the 1997 position of the National Association for the Education of Young Children regarding licensing and public regulation of early childhood programs. Discusses current shortcomings in licensing systems. Delineates 10 principles for effective regulation related to regulation criteria; complementary professional licensing of individuals;…

There are many ways to move the field toward greater professionalization. In this article, the authors present some ideas that are macro in focus--designed to move the whole field toward consensus and action--and some ideas that are micro, focused on suggested actions for early childhood programs operating throughout the country and around the…

States the child care licensing position of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. (RH)

A short discussion of early childhood program licensing and regulation. Suggests that child care workers and licensing officials should work together to ensure quality programs. (BD)

Analyzes the current state of early childhood education in terms of sociological criteria for a profession in order to point out differences between professions and early childhood education and to identify changes needed to upgrade the status of primary and preprimary education. (Author/RH)

Illustrates professional, nonprofessional and unprofessional judgment by describing possible responses to a common predicament faced by those working with young children. (RH)

Lunch time can provide nutritionally adequate meals and also create settings in which children learn mechanical and social skills. Editor/DR

Introduces a position statement developed jointly by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education to identify criteria for developing, adopting, and using early learning standards. Identifies features of effective early learning standards.…

Early childhood educators should take advantage of attention on assessment to design appropriate systems. Proper assessments should enable more reflective teaching, honor children's full range of development, and provide safeguards to children from unnecessary assessment or misuse of assessment data. Issues include what standards to measure, what…

In this article, the author discusses playdough. Playdough is a staple play material in the early childhood classroom which provides enjoyable and satisfying experiences for young children. But, it is not merely a "fun" activity, it also provides valuable hands-on, active-learning experiences and supports children's growth and learning in many…